What to Eat in Iceland: A Guide to Traditional Foods
The island of fire and ice is a mystical and magical destination, perfect for nature lovers.
However, when planning a trip to Iceland, many people overlook what to eat there, its culinary delights, or even its most peculiar dishes (yes, there are some!).
In this article, you’ll discover everything about Icelandic cuisine, from basic ingredients like skyr or lamb to more exotic options such as dried or fermented fish, which are not for everyone’s taste.
If you’re ready, keep reading to find out what to eat in Iceland. Enjoy your meal!
What is the best Iceland food I cannot miss?
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SKYR– What to Eat in Iceland
It is said that this dairy product, similar to yogurt, has been made since Viking times. I
t’s a very popular product not only in Iceland but all over the world and that’s why we added it to our food list of what to eat in Iceland.
Skyr is commonly consumed at breakfast or as a dessert, although it doesn’t quite resemble yogurt, especially in its original, natural form. It is thicker and high in protein, but also quite tangy and strong in flavor (particularly homemade versions).
Nowadays, you can find commercial skyr in various flavors with milder tastes, resembling yogurt more closely.
Regardless of the version, it’s worth trying to start your day energized and ready for an exciting adventure on this beautiful island.
KLEINUR – What to Eat in Iceland
A sweet treat you absolutely must try in Iceland is kleinur. It is a fried dough delicacy flavored with cardamom, shaped into a diamond, with a cut in the center through which the dough is twisted to create its traditional form.
While the process might sound intricate, tasting it is a delight: a crispy exterior combined with a soft, tender interior makes it a treat worth discovering.
This traditional Icelandic dessert, especially popular during the Christmas season (though now enjoyed year-round), is celebrated for its simplicity and the ability to turn a few basic ingredients into something irresistibly delicious. Definitely a must-eat when you visit Iceland.
CINNAMON ROLL– What to Eat in Iceland
Other typical Icelandic sweets you should try are cinnamon rolls, locally known as kanilsnúðar.
These delicious treats, traditional across Nordic countries, are particularly beloved in Iceland. Every traditional bakery has its unique style and recipe, giving each roll a special touch.
You’ll find them easily during your trip to Iceland, as they’re a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Perfectly paired with a warm cup of coffee, they’re an ideal indulgence on a chilly Icelandic day!
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RYE BREAD (RÚGBRAUÐ)
Another food you should eat in Iceland is Rye bread (rúgbrauð), also known as Geysir bread, which is a traditional specialty that is uniquely baked underground using geothermal heat.
This dense and slightly sweet bread is made by placing the dough in holes in the ground, where it is steamed for 24 hours.
When I worked at a restaurant, I used to prepare this bread every day. Each morning, I would take the sticky dough to the geothermal holes, leaving it to cook for a full day.
The result is a rich, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect when paired with butter, fish, smoked meats, or soups.
HOT DOG – What to Eat in Iceland
The hot dog (pylsur) is arguably Iceland’s most popular street food. Locals often have their favorite spot to get this beloved snack.
The classic Icelandic hot dog is served with a mix of textures, including both fried and raw onions, sweet mustard, and, depending on your preference, ketchup or a mix of mayo and mustard.
What makes the Icelandic hot dog unique is the blend of meats used in the sausage, mainly lamb, sometimes mixed with pork or beef, which gives it a distinct and unique flavor.
If you’re unsure about what to eat in Iceland, the pylsur is always a reliable and tasty option to try.
HAMBURGER
Moving on to another popular dish in Iceland that’s definitely worth trying: the Icelandic hamburger.
You might wonder why this is so special. Well, it’s pretty simple, there’s no McDonald’s in Iceland, and the locals take their hamburgers seriously.
If you’re looking for the best burger in Iceland, we’ve written a dedicated article on that!
Plus, we’ve also got a guide on the best burgers in Reykjavík, so now you’ll know exactly where to go to satisfy your craving for a delicious, locally crafted burger.
You won’t be left wondering where to find it anymore! 🙂
ICELANDIC LAMB
Let’s talk about the king of the table and must-eat in Iceland: the famous Icelandic lamb.
Icelandic lamb is, in my opinion, one of the best meats in the world, and that’s because the animals graze freely in the lush fields of Iceland, drinking pure water from the land.
The result is a tender and juicy flavor that makes this meat incredibly versatile in the kitchen. I’ve cooked all parts of the lamb and learned a lot about it in the process.
Aside from being roasted, grilled, or boiled, Icelandic lamb is often prepared as sausage, smoked, or even made into various cured meats.
Honestly, I don’t know any Icelanders who don’t eat lamb, I’ve even seen locals eat it for breakfast, which seemed like a crazy but amazing tradition!
LAMB SOUP (KJÖTSÚPA)
Although I already mentioned lamb, here’s another comforting and warming dish you should try during your trip to Iceland: Kjötsúpa, or lamb soup.
This traditional Icelandic soup is made with tender chunks of lamb, root vegetables, and local herbs that infuse the broth with a fresh and aromatic flavor.
It’s the perfect dish for those looking for something hearty to fuel their adventures while exploring the island’s natural wonders.
Kjötsúpa is a beloved comfort food among Icelanders, often enjoyed during cold weather, and it’s a great way to experience the island’s rich culinary traditions.
FISH OF THE DAY
Another food you absolutely must try is the fish in Iceland. In the cold and crystal-clear waters that surround this northern island, there are many fish species that are daily food for many locals and tourists who want to taste healthy and delicious food.
Haddock, cod, salmon, and river trout (Arctic char) are just a few of the most well-known fish here, which give shape to countless recipes and preparations.
Below, I will list the most popular ones loved by locals and tourists.
RÚGBRAUÐ WITH SMOKED TROUT
A typical snack from Iceland is a combination of rye bread with generous butter and smoked local trout.
This incredibly delicious and perfect pairing is highly recommended if you visit the island.
For the best experience, it’s said that you should try the smoked trout from Lake Mývatn, which is considered the best in the entire country.
This treat highlights the natural flavors and the richness of Icelandic ingredients, providing a memorable culinary experience.
FISH AND CHIPS– What to Eat in Iceland
Although this dish is of British origin, it was the soldiers who brought it to Iceland during World War II, and it has since become the second most popular street food in Iceland among locals.
The ingredients of fresh white fish from the cold waters surrounding the island and local potatoes make this dish a true delicacy here; it doesn’t get more local than this!
We have even written a dedicated article on this topic, as we have a deep appreciation for good food.
PLOKKFISKUR– What to Eat in Iceland
Now let’s talk about a fish stew called Plokkfiskur.
This is one of the comforting dishes offered by Iceland to help cope with cold, gloomy days. The ingredients for this dish include chunks of white fish (such as cod or haddock), potatoes, a very thick béchamel sauce, and lots (really lots) of black pepper.
It is traditionally served with Geysir bread, which is perfect for dipping into the rich, thick sauce.
HARÐFISKUR
It is a traditional Icelandic snack made from dried fish, similar to beef jerky, but with marine protein.
Typically, white fish like cod, haddock, or pollock, which are abundant in these waters, are used. This snack is very popular among locals because it is nutritious, rich in protein, and easy to carry.
Due to its high price, many tourists don’t try it, though it’s perfect for taking on excursions or as a snack. It’s definitely something I recommend you try during your trip to Iceland.
LOBSTER SOUP
Not only is the Icelandic sea filled with fish, but also with rich and delicious seafood.
A perfect example of this is lobster soup, which is part of Iceland’s classic cuisine.
The name might be a bit confusing, as it is not typically made with lobster, but with tasty langoustine.
Don’t ask me why this error exists, I’ll just tell you that it doesn’t matter whether it has lobster or langoustine because what you eat will be incredibly fresh and delicious.
STRANGE OR BIZARRE FOOD
In an isolated island like Iceland, where survival has depended heavily on what nature has provided, it’s no surprise that there are dishes or ingredients that might seem strange or bizarre to most tourists.
I have tried a few, and I’ll list them below.
HORSE MEAT – What to Eat in Iceland
Although it’s not strange to me, since it’s very common to eat this kind of meat in my home country (Sardinia), in many nations it’s not consumed or even prohibited (for instance, in the British countries).
Horse meat is probably the most tender meat of all the kinds I’ve tried so far.
These animals aren’t just used to attract tourists to the mystical lands of Iceland; part of them are raised exclusively for human consumption.
While it’s true that the consumption of horse meat has declined among locals, it can still be found in butcher shops and supermarkets, and it remains part of the regular diet for Icelanders.
REINDEER – What to Eat in Iceland
Similar to horse meat, reindeer meat has been consumed on this island since ancient times.
It is a specialty in the highlands of eastern Iceland, where you can find these animals in the wild and the forests that this region offers.
The meat is lean and has a flavor similar to venison, making it perfect for stews or long-cooking preparations.
LAMB HEAD – What to Eat in Iceland
When I mentioned that every part of the lamb is consumed, I wasn’t joking.
Lamb’s head, called Svið, is one of the more peculiar dishes for many tourists in Iceland.
Although this type of dish has declined in popularity over the years, it has made a comeback recently due to its dramatic presentation (there’s no other word for it) when half of the animal’s head is served on a plate.
I tried it cooked by local farmers, and its gelatinous texture, while interesting, wasn’t bad at all; it was actually quite good.
HÁKARL – What to Eat in Iceland
This is probably the strangest thing I’ve tried on the island: fermented shark. The preparation process is complex, and although you can now easily find it in any supermarket, I recommend (if you’re brave enough to try it) tasting a homemade version.
Not everyone dares to try this dish, but I can assure you that its strong smell and taste make it a unique and unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Conclusions – What to Eat in Iceland
We’ve reached the final part of this article exploring what Icelandic gastronomy has to offer. The ingredients and preparations I’ve shared reflect the island’s history and natural surroundings, showing how humans have sustained themselves in these mystical yet harsh lands over the years.
So, what about you?
Are you ready to try all these dishes you can enjoy in Iceland?
Do you have anything else to add, or maybe an experience to share? Write to me in the comments or send me a private message, I’d love to hear from you, especially when it comes to food!
I hope to see you soon on our blog.
Greetings from your foodie friends and travelers at Fun Food Travelling.
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